Bringing children together to learn how to improve communication with others, as well as how to approach individuals for the purpose of building lasting relationships is what took place this week. In order for children to continue to grow and evolve, a child must experience being a part of a moment far greater than themselves. Moments, such as learning how to communicate with horses, offers perspective, understanding and a sense of gratitude.
Educators, community leaders and business professionals were able to witness the profound instruction gained from the leadership training at the Cowboy Solution offered by Dr. Don Hutson (Y/B) and Sara Klawinsky (B/G). Their lessons focused on meeting the need of the individual or being (in this case a horse) - even if it is was out of our comfort zone.
Holmquist Elementary Principal, Kimberly Plowden (R/B) described our time together as an "amazing learning experience at the Cowboy Solution." Adding, our E-Colors champions and teachers were able to use the positive interactions they had with the horses and relate it to their daily lives at school and home. We all reflected on this experience and we believe in the E-Colors process. We also believe by giving others what they need will ultimately lead to success for all and better communication!"
Lewis M. Senior, Co-Founder of Equilibria wrote, "These young intentional leaders were amazed at the feeling of connection and empowerment as they interacted with the horses whose personality traits are also identified by their E-Colors. I hope we can get many more students to attend Don Hutson's wonderful facility as truly 'Seeing is Believing'."
Lisa Saarie, Principal at Chancellor Elementary (Houston, TX): ''It was a wonderful day with our E-Color champions watching them interact with the horses. The horses also have an E-Color that the students had to understand and determine how to approach them and work with them. Mr. Lewis M. Senior and Dr. Rosalinda Mercado-Garza provided an outstanding experience for our children.''
To build trust - one must be open to varying perspectives or viewpoints. To develop communication - one must consider the needs of the person with whom they are talking to. To grow as a leader - one must be accountable to self-development and live actions and words with good intention. These were a few of the lessons learned.
E-Colors and Personal Intervention or Team & Self Awareness training was the first step taken by the student champions throughout this school year. Engaging in meaningful exercises was essential to bring all of their new skill-sets to practice as we wrapped the school year. In our session with the horses, students reflected on their communication tendencies, conversation practices and how they can improve relationships at school and home. They were ecstatic to have this new-found knowledge.
Andrea White (B/G), teacher at Chancellor Elementary expressed, "Let me start off by saying thank you so much for giving our kids an amazing opportunity! They were in awe of being in the country and open spaces. On the bus ride I had to explain septic tanks and burning trash to city kids who couldn't quite wrap their heads around country life. It was great! More than that, I got to have meaningful dialogue and watch them in a new setting explore, discover and thrive. As an educator it was incredible to witness them understanding and applying non-verbal communication effectively while putting another's needs before their own. People always talk about how selfish kids are but E-Colors has created such an awareness in my students that they are the most thoughtful and compassionate kids I've ever worked with."
Chancellor students declared:
Damian T. (Y/B) - "I learned that based on the horses E-Color it gave me an advantage on how to approach them. I naturally walk up to people and give hugs but that is not always what people want."
Luis Moran (B/Y) - "I learned how to better treat others and got to practice working with different personalities since the horses had different E-Colors and we had to give them what they need in order to communicate with them."
While Toya Frierson, Educator (B/G) at Chancellor added, "I thought it was a very powerful experience for the students and teachers. I asked Chelsy (B/Y) what she learned and she said she had to try things that might make her uncomfortable. I applied the experience to my relationship with teachers, students, teammates and personal relationships. My biggest takeaway was that it's not about my needs."
Smith Elementary (Houston, TX) Principal MaryAnne Bronson (G/R), who has been championing the E-Colors process for the last three school years believes, "The influence of a caring leader, E-Colors training, a host of other supports, and a whole bunch of grit and personal determination is what gives students the opportunity to experience success. The stories of their individual challenges along the journey will continue to motivate and encourage others. Relating, socializing, doing and thinking...all about communication, relationships, realizing potential and effective teams - putting our knowledge of our strengths and potential limiters to work for us."